Ornamental Flower
Swiss Giants Mix Strawflower brings the charm of heirloom charm to sunny gardens with towering stems reaching up to 42 inches and papery blooms in a rainbow of warm hues. These drought-tolerant giants flower reliably from early summer through fall, taking just 84 days from seed to first bloom. Perfect for gardeners who want a long-lasting display with minimal fussing, this cultivar of Xerochrysum bracteatum thrives in full sun and actually improves as the season progresses, making it ideal for late-season color when many annuals have faded.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
42in H x 18in W
Perennial
High
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What sets Swiss Giants Mix apart is its exceptional height and vigor, these plants genuinely deserve their "giant" designation, reaching well over two feet in most conditions. The blooms maintain their papery texture and vibrant color throughout the season and beyond, making them exceptional both as fresh cuts and dried arrangements. Once established, they ask very little of you: they tolerate drought beautifully, attract pollinators consistently, and perform equally well whether you baby them or let them mostly fend for themselves. The mix of colors adds spontaneity to the garden without requiring separate seed packets.
These are the strawflowers beloved by flower arrangers and dried flower enthusiasts. Cut them at peak bloom for fresh arrangements that last weeks in a vase, or leave them on the stem to dry naturally for arrangements that hold their color and texture for years. They're equally at home in cottage gardens providing height and texture, or massed in cutting gardens where their long stems and reliable production make harvesting a pleasure.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Surface sow the seeds and firm them lightly into the soil, as they require light to germinate. Maintain soil temperature between 70 and 75°F, and expect germination in 7 to 21 days. Keep seedlings under grow lights or in a bright window until they're ready to transplant outdoors.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week, then transplant outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds outdoors at your last frost date, sowing on the soil surface and firming lightly. Thin seedlings once they have their first true leaves.
Cut flowers for arrangements once the papery bracts are fully developed and have begun to open, typically in mid to late summer. Cut in the early morning when stems are turgid. For dried flowers, cut stems when blooms are at full color, tie them in small bunches, and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. Dried blooms will hold their color and texture for months or even years.
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